Start in Calalzo di Cadore and follow Via Piduel along the edge of town. Cross the Lago di Cadore Bridge and continue on Via Piduel until the intersection with path no. VA-B18. Turn left and begin the gradual ascent into the forested landscape of the Dolomites.
After around 3 hours of gentle climbing, reach Rifugio Padova, an idyllic mountain hut with excellent food and panoramic views. It is a good place to take a break before continuing the Friulian trekking tour.
From the Rifugio, follow path no. VA-B17. The trail becomes steeper as it climbs toward Forcella Scodavacca. After 3 kilometers of ascent, reach the highest point of the day. From this saddle, there is the option to climb Monte Cridola, though the route is rocky and requires care.
Descend from Forcella Scodavacca for another 4 kilometers. The trail leads through alpine terrain with open views of the pass behind you. Continue on the path until Rifugio Giaf, where the first stage of the trek ends.
From Rifugio Giaf follow the Truoi dai Sclops, a scenic trail known for its wildflowers, towards Forcella Urtisiel. The path ascends gradually for about 2 km before reaching Forcella Urtisiel, the first peak of the day. The trail narrows sharply here, with steep drops on both sides. From the saddle, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
Continue on the trail for another 2 km to reach a viewpoint overlooking the Cimoliana Valley. From this point, take in the beautiful views of the Torrente Cimoliana winding through the rocky landscape. The path descends briefly before ascending again through alpine terrain.
At 5.5 km from the starting point, arrive at Canpuros, a fairy-tale alpine prairie surrounded by rocks and scattered trees. In summer, this meadow is filled with wildflowers and offers a peaceful resting spot.
From Canpuros continue on trail no. 349 for another 2 km to reach Forcella dell’Inferno, the second peak of the route. From the saddle begin the descent towards Rifugio Flaiban Pacherini. The trail descends steadily for about 2 km and leads to the end point of this stage.
From Rifugio Flaiban Pacherini follow the path VA-B18 for approximately 1.3 km to reach Passo del Mus, the highest point of the stage. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Continue on the descent for less than 500 meters to arrive at a small alpine pond. The area is scattered with boulders and offers a quiet, scenic atmosphere.
Keep following the trail for around 1 km to reach Casone Val dell'Inferno. This is a lush green basin filled with alpine flowers and marked by a large, cube-shaped rock in the center.
The final 4 km of the stage begin with a steady descent, followed by a mostly flat section through forested paths and open terrain until Rifugio Pordenone, the endpoint of this day’s hike.
From the start of the trail, follow the marked path as it begins to ascend steadily through forest and rocky terrain. After approximately 1.3 kilometers, reach the first viewpoint from which the bell tower of Val Montanaia becomes visible in the distance.
Continue on the same trail for another 1.3 kilometers to arrive at Bivacco Giuliano Perugini. This bivouac is located on an open ridge and offers breathtaking views of the Campanile di Val Montanaia. It is an ideal place to pause and admire the dramatic landscape of the Friulian Dolomites.
From the bivouac, follow the steep trail for another 2 kilometers until you reach Forcella Montanaia. This is the highest point of the route. The final ascent is demanding and should be approached with caution, especially during late autumn when the ground may be frozen and slippery.
From Forcella Montanaia, begin the descent along the marked path that leads back into the valley. The trail gradually winds down through scree and forest, concluding the trek in a remote and scenic part of the Dolomites.
From Rifugio Padova, follow the same path you walked on day 1, descending through the forest on the marked trail towards Calalzo di Cadore. The descent begins gradually and continues through larch woods and rocky sections. Midway through the route, cross a small mountain stream using concrete stepping stones. Take a short break to enjoy the cool air and the sound of the flowing water.
The path then becomes wider and merges with a gravel forest road. The terrain alternates between natural trails and easy gravel sections. The final stretch leads gently downhill on a paved road, arriving in the town of Calalzo di Cadore, marking the end of this 5-day adventure.
